Detrital apatite U-Pb dating dataset of the Bikou Group on the northwestern margin of the Yangtze Block

During analysis, internationally recognized apatite reference materials were used to correct instrumental mass fractionation, and relevant data-processing software was used for isotopic ratio correction, age calculation, and error propagation.This dataset mainly contains U-Pb isotopic analytical results for detrital apatite, including sample IDs, analytical spot numbers, U and Th concentrations, Th/U ratios, isotopic ratios, single-spot ages, age uncertainties, and related quality-control parameters.

The spatial coverage of the dataset is the Bikou area on the northwestern margin of the Yangtze Block. The specific sampling locations are represented by the sample IDs and related descriptions in the data files. The temporal information in the dataset mainly refers to U-Pb ages recorded by detrital apatite, which reflect mineral crystallization ages or thermal event ages and can be used to analyze the age spectra of sediment sources and tectonic evolution.

This dataset does not involve continuous temporal resolution. The spatial resolution corresponds mainly to field sampling sites and individual in situ analytical spots.For tabular data, each row represents one detrital apatite analytical spot or one isotopic analysis record, while each column represents a corresponding analytical parameter or calculated result. Common column labels include sample ID, analytical spot number, U concentration, Th concentration, Th/U ratio, isotopic ratios, age values, and uncertainties.

U and Th concentrations are generally expressed in ppm; ages are generally expressed in Ma; isotopic ratios are dimensionless; and age uncertainties are generally reported as 1σ or 2σ, as indicated in the data table.During data processing, analytical spots that were significantly affected by fractures, inclusions, common Pb, or abnormal signals were screened or excluded. If blank cells or missing values occur in the data table, they generally indicate that valid analytical results were not obtained for the corresponding parameter, that the signal quality was insufficient, or that the data were not used in subsequent age calculation.

Specific missing data are indicated by blank cells or remarks in the corresponding data table.The dataset contains analytical uncertainties. These uncertainties mainly arise from signal fluctuations during laser ablation, instrumental sensitivity drift, common Pb correction, reference material calibration, internal compositional heterogeneity of mineral grains, and isotope counting statistics. The age uncertainties and isotopic ratio uncertainties listed in the data table are the results of data processing and error propagation and can be used to evaluate the reliability of individual spot ages.The dataset files mainly include tables of detrital apatite U-Pb isotopic analytical results and related documentation.

The data tables record single-spot analytical results, isotopic ratios, elemental concentrations, and calculated ages for each sample. The documentation explains sample information, field definitions, units, data-screening criteria, and necessary notes. The data files are provided in common spreadsheet formats, such as Excel (.xlsx) or comma-separated values (.csv), and can be opened and edited using Microsoft Excel, WPS Office, LibreOffice Calc, or other compatible spreadsheet software.